The Importance of In-Store Technology

Following the introduction of online shopping, we witnessed visits to physical stores decrease. But, recent statistics show that weekly shoppers to brick-and-mortar locations were up to 40 percent in 2015 and are expected to increase further to 44 percent in 2018. It’s likely that this is down to more people using shopping as a social activity and then placing their orders online. But, what does this mean for retailers?

Physical retailers now have the opportunity to reduce their stock levels and use the space to create a more interactive experience, which paves the way for more in-store tech. Together with QUIZ, a dress retailer and owner of seven digital-led stores across the U.K., we take a look at the importance of having in-store tech below:

Types of in-store technology

When technology first started becoming part of the retail industry, it was largely the Internet and e-commerce that were making changes and, now, most brands are on-board with this. However, recent research still indicates that people value brick-and-mortar stores. In fact, 81 percent of U.K. customers said that the physical stores were vital to the shopping experience. So, when it comes to improving the high street and implementing in-store technology, what should retailers be getting involved with?

Research has discovered that kiosks powered by artificial intelligence (AI) are popular with customers. However, not all retailers are venturing into this territory. According to one study, 66 percent of those surveyed said that they were yet to encounter in-store artificial intelligence. Do retailers realize the huge potential of this type of technology? In fact, 60 percent of consumers are attracted to the idea of using them to find products that they weren’t aware of before. As an example, in QUIZ’s digital stores, an in-store kiosk enables visitors to browse the full collection (even if some products aren’t available in-store) and order them to their homes or local store.

In-store technology can also help staff become better informed and more helpful to the customer. One way to do this is by providing employees with handheld iPads or other smart tablets. This allows staff to find the answer to a query, check a product’s availability and place orders for the customer without having to use a fixed computer. This can improve the customer’s experience and help build a stronger brand-to-customer relationship.

Another type of technology is augmented reality. This aids the customer with their purchase decision and helps them visualize themselves with the product. Although this can be made available through an app, there are also ways to introduce it inside the store. In a fashion store for example, a smart mirror can allow customers to dress themselves in different outfits without actually trying them on. Similarly, in a furniture store, visitors can upload a photo of their home and try out pieces of furniture to see if it would suit their rooms.

Encouraging in-store visits and brand loyalty

Not only is technology useful for those who enter the store, but it can also help increase in-store visits and improve brand loyalty.

It’s possible that having in-store technology in a physical shop can make a brand more attractive to customers, and potentially make it a better option over competitors. Some retailers are recognizing this too as one report suggested that 53 percent of retailers view investments in new automations and appliances in-store as vital to keep up with their competitor activity.

In-store technology can also improve a customer’s experience and brand perception. One study revealed that 46 percent of those surveyed said that a positive experience due to well-functioning technology increases their brand confidence.

Technology’s not perfect

Of course, technology can fail at times and doesn’t always work how we would like it too. This can be frustrating and add time onto a customer’s visit, which may result in a negative experience.

RetailWeek found that two thirds of those surveyed have experienced problems and breakdowns with in-store technology. Unfortunately, this then affects sales. One third of customers said that they were unable to complete their transactions because of the technology difficulties.

Negative experiences like this can deter customers from revisiting the store and can make them leave the store with a negative opinion of the brand. Retailers must keep software and technologies updatef and well-maintained to avoid issues like this.

Similarly, if technology is difficult to use, this can deter customers from getting involved with it. This could make people feel excluded too. In-store tech should be simple to use, and visitors should be accompanied when using it if it’s more complex.

As we can see, in-store technology is becoming more important. Although customers are happy to shop online, they also enjoy shopping as a leisure activity and appreciate an interactive experience when doing so.

About Author

Louise Richardson has been a copywriter at digital marketing agency Mediaworks, since September 2017. After graduating with a degree in Media Production from University of Sunderland, Richardson completed a post-graduate course in Magazine Journalism at PMA Media Training in London before becoming a freelance writer, where she wrote articles for multiple industries. Prior to her position at Mediaworks, Richardson was a content writer at Hays Travel Agency, and digital marketing company Visualsoft.